As a child, I loved weekend mornings. My grandmother’s cooking filled our house with a yummy smell. Her hash brown and egg casserole was always a hit.
This dish had crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and savory meat. It was a breakfast everyone loved. It’s a favorite in many homes, great for big families or lazy Sundays.
It’s perfect for busy mornings or brunches. This casserole recipe impresses everyone. Let’s make this comforting dish, loved for over a century.
What Makes a Delicious Hash Brown and Egg Casserole?
A delicious Hash Brown and Egg Casserole is special. It has crispy hash browns at the bottom. This makes it a favorite for many.
Eggs add protein and richness. Sausage, cheese, and seasonings make it taste great. It’s a dish that many people love.
I like adding colorful veggies to make it look good and healthy. This makes it a hit at brunches. It’s also great for big gatherings.
This casserole is easy to make. It takes 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour and 10 minutes to cook. It serves eight, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 1 hr 20 mins |
| Additional Time | 5 mins |
| Total Time | 1 hr 40 mins |
| Servings | 6 |
| Yield | 1 (8×8-inch) casserole |
| Calories | 616 |
| Fat | 49g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Cholesterol | 260mg |
| Sodium | 1142mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
| Calcium | 485mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Potassium | 1031mg |
Key Ingredients for Your Casserole
Creating a great hash brown casserole starts with knowing the key ingredients. Each part adds flavor, texture, and beauty to the dish. Let’s look at what you need for this easy breakfast recipe.
Hash Browns
Hash browns are the base of this casserole. Shredded frozen hash browns are easy and crispy. But, I like using leftover home fries or any potatoes I have.
The term “hash browns” started in the 1880s. They’ve been a favorite on breakfast menus, like in New York City, for over a century.
Eggs and Dairy
Eggs are key for a fluffy casserole. I use large eggs and 2% milk for creaminess. Whole milk adds a richer taste.
The FDA says to eat cooked egg dishes within three to four days. So, plan your cooking time!
Meat Options
Adding meat makes the dish more savory. Ground pork sausage is common, but turkey sausage or bacon are good choices too. They make the casserole hearty and satisfying.
Vegetable Add-ins
Vegetables add color, nutrition, and flavor. Onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can make it even better.
How to Prepare a Hearty Morning Meal
Starting the day with a savory breakfast casserole is fun. First, get all your ingredients ready. I like using olive oil, ham, and veggies like red and green bell peppers, and yellow onion.
Hash browns, eggs, heavy cream, milk, cheddar cheese, and chives are also key. They add flavor and make the dish look great.
First, cook onions and sausage in olive oil. This makes the dish taste good. Then, mix eggs with milk for a creamy base.
Layering the ingredients makes a balanced dish. This recipe is perfect for guests or holidays. It takes about 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. Each serving has 429 calories and lots of protein. You can change it up with different meats or veggies. It’s a warm, satisfying breakfast for everyone.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty hash brown and egg casserole is easy. Follow these simple steps for a great dish.
Gathering Your Ingredients
First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need:
- 1 lb of pork breakfast sausage (Jimmy Dean brand is preferred)
- 10 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of whole milk or unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 20 oz of frozen shredded hash browns
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Cooking the Sausage
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Do this until it’s fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove any extra fat to keep the casserole light.
Mixing the Egg Mixture
Then, mix the eggs, milk, and seasonings well. Put the cooled sausage, hash browns, and cheese in a baking dish. Pour the egg mix over it, making sure everything is coated well.
This recipe is not only easy to make. It’s also perfect for those who want detailed breakfast casserole instructions. Enjoy your delicious morning meal!
The Perfect Baking Technique
To get the best results, the right baking technique is key. I start by heating the oven to 350°F. This helps the casserole cook evenly.
I then grease the baking dish well. Using non-stick spray or butter keeps the layers from sticking. This makes serving easier.
When layering the ingredients, I focus on mixing flavors and textures well. I cover the dish with foil at first. This keeps it moist and prevents drying out.
I bake it for 55-65 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes. This makes the top golden-brown, making it look great.
To check if it’s done, I use a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the eggs are set. This ensures a tasty dish and makes baking fun and easy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Hash Browns | 16 ounces (about half a bag) |
| Ground Sausage | 1 pound |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Large Eggs | 6 |
| Milk or Cream | ½ cup |
Tips for Making This Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time
Planning a tasty breakfast for busy mornings is easier with a make-ahead casserole. Making it ahead saves time and makes flavors better. Remember these tips for storing leftovers and baking from the fridge.
Storing for Later Use
My hash brown breakfast casserole stays good in the fridge for 3-5 days. Freezing it is even better for longer. Make sure to use an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three months.
Baking from the Fridge
When baking from the fridge, take it out 30 minutes before. This lets it bake evenly. You might need 10-15 more minutes if it’s cold. Check if it’s done by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Customizing Your Breakfast Casserole
Customizing breakfast casserole is fun. You can change ingredients to fit your taste or use what you have. Try different meats like ham or sausage instead of bacon.
Experiment with cheeses for extra flavor. Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack can be a nice change.
Vegetables add health and taste. Spinach, kale, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great choices. Spices and herbs like onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can also change the flavor.
This dish is great for big groups. You can make more to feed everyone. It’s also good the next day, sometimes even better.
By mixing meats, cheeses, and veggies, every bite is new. It’s perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Brunch
When serving the Hash Brown and Egg Casserole, how you present it matters a lot. Serving it hot and adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley makes it look and taste great. You can also let guests add their favorite toppings like salsa or hot sauce.
I like to serve the casserole with a light fruit salad or a crisp garden salad. This mix of flavors and textures is refreshing. For drinks, mimosa cocktails add fun, while coffee brings out the dish’s savory taste.
Preparing this casserole ahead of time makes hosting easier. It saves time and adds to the brunch’s relaxed feel. With these tips, I create a brunch that everyone will remember and love.
